General Manager - West Virginia University

LEARFIELD; Morgantown (WV); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Plan

Vision Plan

401(k) Match

Parental Leave

Paid Holidays

Flexible PTO

Job summary

LEARFIELD seeks an experienced General Manager to lead a premier Sports Property, serving as the primary liaison to the university’s Athletics Department. You will guide sponsorship strategy, drive revenue growth, and manage an advanced portfolio of corporate partners to ensure long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.

You will lead a high-performing team, oversee day-to-day operations, and collaborate with regional leaders and campus decision-makers to deliver value-driven campaigns and

Qualifications

• 10+ years in sponsorship sales or related B2B revenue roles.
• Proven track record leading high-impact teams and revenue growth.
• Experience managing executive-level university and sponsor relationships.
• Strong marketing strategy across traditional, digital, and experiential channels.
• Budgets, analytics, and data-driven decision making.
• Excellent communication and leadership under pressure.
• Willingness to work flexible hours for events or activations.

Responsibilities

• Liaise between Learfield and the university Athletics Department.
• Lead sponsorship sales and multi-platform partnerships.
• Oversee local team including individual contributors and managers.
• Drive revenue through strategic direction and campaigns.
• Manage portfolio of sponsors and ensure retention.
• Own financial planning and performance analysis.

Skills

Sponsorship sales

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Partnership sales

Marketing strategy

Job description

Learfield is seeking an experienced and strategic General Manager (GM) to lead one of our high-profile Sports Properties and serve as the primary liaison to the university’s Athletics Department. This senior-level position is responsible for stewarding the school’s athletics multimedia rights agreement, managing an advanced portfolio of corporate partners, and cultivating lasting relationships across university leadership. The GM plays a critical role in driving financial performance, shaping partnership strategy, and ensuring a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between Learfield and the university.

In this role, you will lead a high-performing team that may include both individual contributors and people managers. You will oversee day-to-day property operations, guide sponsorship strategy, and champion integrated marketing solutions that align with both university goals and Learfield’s enterprise objectives. This role requires a seasoned operator with deep expertise in sponsorship sales, exceptional relationship management skills, and the ability to lead through influence and accountability. You will collaborate closely with regional leaders, corporate stakeholders, and campus decision-makers to deliver results and elevate the partnership.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary liaison betweenLearfieldand the university’s Athletics Department, Athletic Director, and senior leadership, fostering trusted, strategic relationships.

• Build andmaintainstrong relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, and internal stakeholders—serving as a trusted and respected representative of bothLearfieldand the university.

• Lead the execution and optimization of the school’s multimedia rights agreement, ensuring alignment with institutional values, branding, and long-term goals.

• Oversee a local team that may include both individual contributors andpeoplemanagers, providing direction, mentorship, and development opportunities.

• Drive revenue growth by setting strategic direction for sponsorship sales and guiding the pursuit of high-value, multi-platform partnerships.

• Build and manage a portfolio of regional and national corporate sponsors, ensuring client satisfaction and long-term retention.

• Collaborate with university stakeholders andLearfieldteams (e.g., integrated marketing, research, digital, legal) to develop and deliver innovative, value-driven campaigns.

• Own property-level financial planning, including annual budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis tied to revenue and profitability targets.

• Serve as the face of the partnership at key campus and community events, elevating the visibility and impact ofLearfield’s collaboration with the university.

• Championa high-performance, team-first culture by modeling accountability, adaptability, and collaboration across both local and enterprise teams.

• Identifyand pursue new revenue opportunities that drive innovation, business expansion, and alignment with the university’s evolving priorities.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in sponsorship sales, sports marketing, media rights, or a related B2B revenue-generating role.

• Proven successleadinghigh-impact teams and driving revenue growth through integrated marketing and partnership sales.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships, including executive-level universitycontactsand senior brand partners.

• Strong command of marketing strategy across traditional, digital, and experiential channels.

• Experience managing budgets, analyzing performance metrics, and making data-driven business decisions.

• Excellent communicator with strong presentation, relationship-building, and influencing skills.

• Ability to lead through change, coach others, and inspire collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

• High levelof integrity, professionalism, and business judgment.

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed to support athletic events or client activations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working directly with or within collegiate athletics or higher education.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Learfield offers a full spectrum of benefits for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance and Other Insurance Plans, Flexible Paid Time Off (minimum 10+ days annually), including Parental Leave, 20 Paid Holidays, 401(k) + Match, and Short/Long Term Disability. Leave benefits are consistent with state and local laws, including the Colorado Health Families and Workplaces Act.

Learfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.